Gyros are a traditional Greek dish which is essentially a lamb and beef meatloaf with an herbal, peppery flavor!
We love Greek and Mediterranean food, both of which are typically focused on healthy, fresh meats and vegetables. While you can often find gyro meat at many grocery stores, and these options are often high in salt and fat making this dish less than optimal for our healthy approach to eating. This recipe is full of the mouthwatering flavors and spice typical of gyros and it is lower in fat and salt. It also is designed to create a large batch (enough for two dinners for small families or one for larger families). The leftover meat also freezes well, making it a very quick meal to reheat and serve on another night... if you have leftovers!
Gyros
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (93-97% lean)
1 lb ground lamb
3 tbsp dried oregano
4 tsp ground black pepper
1 red onion
Directions
Cut onion into quarters.
Put the onion into a large food processor. Run the processor on medium for 20-30 seconds until the onion is finely chopped.
Add all the meat and spices into the food processor.
Process all the ingredients on medium speed until the meat is fully blended. It will look almost like a paté or a thick mousse.
Place two overlapping sheets of plastic wrap on the counter and empty the meat (scraping the sides of the processor bowl) onto the plastic wrap.
Shape meat into a loaf and wrap tightly with the plastic wrap.
Place in refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blossom. I prefer to make the meat mixture a day or two in advance to really allow the flavors to develop.
When you are ready to cook the meat, preheat oven to 375°F.
Unwrap the meat, discard the plastic wrap, and place loaf on a sheet pan.
Cook at 375°F for ~45 minutes or until meat registers 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes so that the meat firms up which will allow you to slice it easier.
Slice meat into 1/2 inch thick slices and serve.
Serve the meat with yogurt sauce (1/2 c plain low-fat yogurt and 2-3 tbsp lemon juice) and thinly sliced tomatoes and onion. We also like to serve it with a side of peasant salad making this a healthy, delicious dinner!
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